TAMPA, Fla. — The city of Tampa announced it’s putting the building that’s home to its police headquarters up for sale. It says it’s putting out a request for proposals (RFP) for developers looking to take over the property.
What You Need To Know
The city of Tampa announced it’s putting out a request for proposals for developers to buy Tampa Police headquarters
The asking price is at least $36 million
City council members raised questions about the RFP at their Dec. 4 meeting, including about the price
Council also plans to discuss the RFP at its upcoming meeting on Jan. 22
“Downtown Tampa is evolving fast, and this site offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a key parcel in the heart of downtown,” Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement. “This is a valuable opportunity in the downtown core to create a community-minded development that will serve Tampa for generations to come.”
The city is asking for at least $36 million for the building also known as “Big Blue”. It says the buyer would be responsible for costs like demolition, environmental review, surveying, and more. Its exact future is unclear, and that’s left city council members and a nearby business with questions.
“We’ve always been downtown – ever since 1933,” said Alison Hayman, co-owner of Hayman Jewelry. “We’re the oldest jewelry store in Tampa and the last man standing, if you will, of the jewelry stores that were started downtown. We’re still here.”
But Hayman Jewelry’s time in its current downtown location at 305 East Madison Street may be running out. Hayman, the third generation of her family to run the business, said the store moved into the building even before Tampa Police. She told Spectrum News there’s been talk of it being sold before. Now that the city’s announced an RFP, she’s not sure what’s ahead for their home of about 35 years.
“We definitely want to stay downtown, but there’s not that many spots that would be the right size. Security’s an issue, too,” Hayman said.
Hayman Jewelry Co. storefront at 305 East Madison Street. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)
According to project documents provided by the city, developers are being asked to specify whether they’re willing to take over the leases of Hayman’s and another business or if they’d prefer to terminate them as part of the sale.
The city said the property covers just more than an acre and takes up a whole city block. The sale would include the ten-story building and a five-level parking garage. Documents say they are looking for a buyer who has “both the vision and financial capacity to develop the Property to its highest and best use.”
City council members brought up the RFP at their Dec. 4 meeting.
“Personally, I’m disappointed that we weren’t asked our opinions. Tere’s been no discussion. There’s so many moving parts,” Council Member Lynn Hurtak said.
Members raised a number of questions, including about the asking price.
“It’s only $36 million is what they’re hoping to get for that, and we all know we can’t even build a forensics facility for less than $40 million. I do not know where we’re going to get the money to pay for a new police station right now,” said Hurtak.
“What’s going to happen to the Tampa Police Museum? What’s going to happen to the Tampa Police memorial that’s out there?” asked Council Member Luis Viera.
“Is Big Blue paid for? That’s a question that came up years ago,” said Council Member Guido Maniscalco.
The city said in its RFP announcement about that staff won’t be available to address media questions about the property to ensure fairness to any interested buyers.
Council members are expected to discuss the potential sale again at their Jan. 22 meeting.